Power On Heels, a non-profit dedicated to empowering women in business, awarded scholarships to three students from the Marilyn Davies College of Business at a ceremony last fall.  

The recipients are Gloria Guicol, a Finance senior and president of Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) UHD, Jocelynn Sanchez, who graduated in December with a degree in Business Marketing, and Yureni Aguilar, an Accounting junior and marketing officer for ALPFA. 

Scholarship applicants were required to attend a workshop by Power On Heels to be considered, which provided a strong opportunity to network. Aguilar noted how Ivette Mayo, Power On Heels CEO, offered personal encouragement by sharing her own journey and pushing Aguilar to apply for the scholarship. That experience has in turn inspired Aguilar to find ways to pay it forward and help others.  

Guicol echoed similar sentiments to Aguilar about connecting with others: “I’ve learned the power of representation, mentorship, and community impact,” she said via the POH website. “Leading events that connect students with professionals and companies has strengthened my passion for helping others achieve their goals while advancing my own.” 

Sanchez’s POH profile emphasized the personal impact of the program, saying, “Power On Heels has inspired me in many ways, helping me build my confidence, strengthen my values, and clarify my goals. It has shown me that there are other women on the same journey as I am.” 

Aguilar summed up the significance of the scholarship succinctly, telling UHD News, “[It] affirmed I'm on the correct path. I'm working towards my future.” For Aguilar, that future includes a real estate business she’s been running for years as well as a CPA certification down the line.  

The students and alumna will stay involved with Power On Heels for all of 2026 as they take part in the non-profit's Workforce Readiness Program. Current Gators can look forward to opportunities to connect with other motivated women when the non-profit kicks off their 2026 programming with their Women Leading Series in March.